Time recording apparatus



J ne 25, 1934. N. A. wumman 1,964,409-

TIIE RECORDING APPARATUS Filed on; s, 1932 :s Sheets-Sheet 1 I Won 2 Afqmaa 1i WWII! ATTORNEY June 26, 1934. A, w n- I 1,964,409

TIME RECORDING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 5. 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVFNTOR Adv/max: 11 Mix/01961 1 ATTORNEY June 26,- 1934. N. A. WHITIAKER 1,954,409

' Tl-LME nncoanme APPARATUS FiledOct. 3, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENT OR WOJWZg/ifl M/Y/dkel I ITORNEY Patented June 26, 1934 TIME RECORDING APPARATUS Norman A. Whittaker, Seattle, Wash, assignor of one-third to Grover McDonald and one- 'third to Erik Johanson, both of Seattle, Wash.

Application October 3, 1932, Serial No. 635,881

4 Claims.

My invention relates to time recording apparatus. More particularly, my invention relates to electrical switch means particularly adapted to operate time recording printing plungers, and to electrical switch means operated by such printing plungers for advancing the tape record.

I am aware that time recording devices as a whole are generally used in the arts. However, such time recording devices have failed to provide efficient, simple and reliable momentary electrical contact means for operating the time recording printing plungers. My device overcomes the problem in the arts and provides a long needed and desired instantaneous contact means for such purposes.

After each operation of the time recording printing plungers, it is necessary that means be provided for advancing the tape so that the next printing operation of the time recording plunger will be had where there is no mark on the tape. The devices which were heretofore in use for such movement of the tape were accomplished by the use of mechanical means connected to the time recording printing plungers,

My electrical switch means for operatively controlling the movement of the tape record is positively and accurately operated by the printing plunger at the desired movement of such plunger and such switch means is characterized by its simplicity of construction, accuracy of operation and its economic cost of production. As the printed record is valueless unless precisely accurate, the necessity for operating mechanism having the characteristics of my device cannot be over emphasized. Other specified objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent in view of the following illustrations and description of my invention.

The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the mechanism and product illustrated in the following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawings :like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating my time recording device;

Z'Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in elevation, with parts---=broken away of one formof the switch means for moving the tape;

Fig. 3 is a view of the'app aratus shown in Fig. 2, with the plunger in a lower position in full lines and in another position in dotted lines;

Fig. 4 is a view in elevation of an alternative construction to be used in place of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view substantially on broken line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view in elevation of another alternative construction to be used in place of the ap paratus shown in Fig. 2; Y

. Fig. '7'is a view in elevation of a gate means having the contactor switch, operating the printing plunger, connected directly to such gat'e means;

Fig. 8 is 'a fragmentary view of a preferred form of tape to be used in my apparatus:

Fig. 9 is a view in elevation of my mercury tube instantaneous contact switch means;

Fig. 10 is a view in elevation of an alternative construction of my mercury tube instantaneous contact switch means;

Fig. 11 is a view in elevation of another alternative construction of my mercury tube instantaneous contact switch means;

Fig. 12 is a view in elevation of another alternative construction of my mercury tube instantaneous contact switch means;

Fig. 13 is a view in elevation of another alternative construction of my mercury tube instantaneous contact switch means.

Referring to Figure 1, 20 indicates a clock mechanism, which maybe any of the several spring or electric motor driven devices common on the market. The clock mechanism operates type mechanism indicated generally at 21. The type mechanism may indicate the date and period thereof in hours, minutes and seconds. The type mechanism is only generally indicated at 21 and no driving connection between the same and the clock mechanism is shown as such devices can be generally obtained on the market and do not constitute a part of this invention. A printing ribbon 22 is operatively positioned relative to the type mechanism. A printing plunger 23, operated by solenoid 24, is disposed below the type mechanism'21' with the printing platen 30 operatively positioned as respects such type mechanism 21.

A roll 25 having a supply of tape 26 wound thereon is rotatively mounted in bracket means 27, positioned at one side of the time recording means. The tape 26 passes between the type mechanism 21 and the platen 30 of the printing plunger. and is wound on a take-up reel 28, which is rotati-vely mounted in bracket means 29 positioned on the opposite side of the time recording mechanism. The solenoid 24 may be mounted in the brackets 2'7 and 29 may be supported on a base member 32. ihe clock mechanism may be supported on the housing 31.

The take-up reel 28 has a ratchet wheel 33 secured thereto and positioned to be engaged by a pawl 34 which is mounted on a vertically reciprocable bar 35 by means of a pivot 36. A tension spring 37 yieldingly urges the pawl 34 into engagement with the ratchet wheel 33.

The bar 35 is supported for vertical movement in guide means 38 and is arranged to be moved by a lever arm 39 which is fulcrumed on a pivot 40 and has one end connected by a slot and pin connection 41 with the bottom portion of the bar 35. The other end of the lever arm 39 has a slot and pin connection 42 with the lower portion of an operating rod 43 which is connected with the plunger 44 of a solenoid 45. The roll 25 and reel 28 are preferably provided with friction means of any well known :iorm to prevent rotary movement of said roll and reel except when they are positively moved by the ratchet and pawl means just described.

Electric switch means 46 controlling the electric circuit to solenoid and operated by the solenoid 24 are illustrated in Figure l and shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3. Alternative constructions of this switch means are shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 8.

Momentary electrical contact switch means 47 controls the electrical circuit to solenoid 24, said momentary contact switch means may comprise a tiltable table 48, pivoted as at 49. The table.

supports a mercury tube 50 having terminals extending into the tube from conductors 51 and 52. The terminals within the mercury tube 50 are arranged so that a momentary contact therebetween is obtained each time the mercury flows from one end of the tube to the other. Preferably a link 53 has one end connected to the tiltable table 45 at one side of the pivot 49 and has its other end connected with a plunger 54 of solenoid 55 whereby the energizing of solenoid 55 will tilt the table 48 on one direction causing the mercury to flow to one end of the tube 47 and the t e-energizing of solenoid 55 will permit gravity to move the plunger 54 and link 53 downwardly, thus tiltirg the table 48 in the opposite direction and causing the mercury to flow to the other end of the tube 4'7.

Solenoid 55 is connected by conductors 56 and 5'? with a source of electrical energy indicated by 58 and 59. Switch means 60 is provided to interrupt the flow of energy to solenoid 55. This switch means is operatively connected by means (not shown) to any type of mechanism of whose operation a time record is desired. The switch 60 is closed when the apparatus to be timed is started and the said switch is opened when the operation of such apparatus ceases. It will be noted that such operation maintains the solenoid 55 energized during the period of which a record is to be made.

Solenoid 24 is electrically connected to a source of energy 58-59 through momentary contact switch 47. The circuit may be traced as follows: From source of energy 59 along conductor 52, through momentary contact 47, along conductor 51, through solenoid 24 and along conductor 61 to source of energy 58. This circuit affords means for energizing solenoid 24 and thereby operating the printing plunger each time that the momentary contact switch is electrically closed.

As an alternative means for closing the circuit to the printing solenoid 24, I mount the momentary contact switch 47 directly on any movable apparatus, a timerecord of whose operation is to be made, such as the pivotally mounted gate 62, shown in Fig. 7. This gate 62 is mounted on pivot 62 and the momentary contact switch 47 is positioned upon the gate so that when the gate is moved from one operative position to another, such as from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa, a momentary electrical connection is established between conductors 51 and 52. This momentary contact will operate the printing solenoid 24 as previously explained.

The take-up reel control switch 46 is operatively positioned as respects the printing plunger 23 of solenoid 24, the operation of which will be particularly discussed in connection with Figs. 2 and 3, so that each down movement of the printing plunger 23 operates said switch 46 and established electrical connection between conductors 63 and 64. The take-up reel control switch 46 is not operatively effected by the upward movement oi the printing plunger 23. Each downward movement of the printing plunger 23 effecting an electrical connection between conductors 63 and 64 established an electrical circuit which may be traced as follows: from source of energy 59, along conductor 63, through switch 46, along conductor 64, through solenoid 45 and along conductor 65 to source of energy 58. The energizing of solenoid 45 raises the plunger 44 and moves the parts connected therewith, thereby turning take-up reel 28 and advancing the tape 26. As the printing on the tape is accomplished by the up stroke of the printing plunger 23, the advancing of the tape, which is accomplished by the down stroke of the printing plunger 23, is effected after each printing and a new place for printing on the tape is available for each operation of the printing plunger 23.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the take-up reel control switch 46 comprises a mercury tube 66 supported by a bracket 67, which bracket member is secured to a lever 68. The lever 68 is mounted for oscillation on a pivot 69 of a bracket 70, which bracket may be supported from a base 32. A tension spring 71 is connected with lever 68 at one side of pivot 69 and yieldingly urges said bracket member into the position shown in Fig. 2.

The conductors 63 and 64 are electrically connected to spacedapart electrodes 72 and '73, which are positioned within the mercury tube 66, so that when the mercury tube 66 is tilted into the position shown in Fig. 3, electrical contact between said electrodes will be established and when said mercury is tilted into the position shown in Fig. 2, no electrical connection between said electrodes is had.

The end of the lever 68 may be provided with a tooth member '75, which tooth member will move in an are about the pivot point 69 as the lever 68 is oscillated. A mounting member 76 is secured to the lower end of the printing plunger 23. A pawl 77 is pivotally mounted on the mounting member 76 as by pivot 78. A tension spring 79 urges the pawl '77 upwardly against a stop 80. A lug 81 on one end of the pawl '77 is positioned for engagement with an upright trip member 82 when the mounting member 76 is in its lowermost position. It is apparent that the end of the pawl '77 will travel downwardly in a vertical path, which path will overlap the arcuate path of the tooth member 75, as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2, whereby the pawl in itsdownward movement will engage with the tooth position the pawl 7'1 will clear the end of the tooth member 75 and the lever arm 68 will be returned to its normal position by spring 71. When the pawl 77 in its downward movement is substantially the point of releasing the tooth member 75, the lug 81 on the end of said pawl will engage the trip member 82 and begin to move the end of the pawl 77 in the arc of a circle about pivot 78, thereby assisting in the quick release of the lever arm 68 and also holding the pawl .77 clear of the tooth member 75 as such tooth member oscillates to a normal position. When the printing plunger 23 moves upwardly on its printing stroke, the spring '79 will permit the pawl 77 to readily slide by the tooth 75 and to assume a. position where the pawl will engage the tooth on the next downward movement of the printing plunger 23. Additional teeth 83 may be provided below the tooth '15, to positively insure engagement between the pawl 77 and the lever 68 under all circumstances as the pawl 7'7 moves downwardly. The spring 71 yieldingly urged the lever 68 into a normal position, as shown in Fig. 2, and against a stop member 84, which stop member 84 may engage with the upper edge 85 of the lever 68.

In Figs. 4 and 6 I have shown analternative type of take-up reel control switch which may be used in place of the switch 46 shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. This switch shown in Fig. 4 comprises normally spaced apart two contact springs 86 and 87 secured to a block 88 of insulating material and connected, respectively, with the wires 63 and 64, which form part of the circuit to the take-up reel solenoid 45. A bracket 89 supports the insulation block 88 from a base 90. The spring 86 has a portion 91 which is inclined relative to the vertical and positioned to be engaged bya roller 92 of preferably insulating material. The roller 92 is mounted on one end 01 a lever 93, which is iulcrumed on a supporting member 94 by means of a pivot screw 95. The other end of the lever 93 has a boss 96 provided thereon. The boss 96 has a hole 97 within which is a ball 98 which ball is urged toward the supporting member 94 by a compression spring 99. The ball 98 is arranged to seat within either of two spaced apart depressions 100 or 101, depending upon the position of the arm, said ball, when seated in either of said depressions, forming a detent for preventing oscillating movement of the lever 93 until suflicient force is applied to said lever to dislodge the ball from the depression.

The supporting member 94 is secured tothe printing plunger 23, whereby said supporting membertogether withthe lever 93 will be moved up and down in a, vertical path by reciprocation of the printing plunger. Two resiliently supported positioning members 102 and 103 are disposed above and below the lever 93 respectively for engagement by said lever 93 as it moves upwardly and downwardly. Thepositioning members 102 and 103 are supported in a bracket 104.

Compression springs 105 are provided for the" disconnected and the supporting member 94 is normally in the lowered position with the lever 93 inclined and clear of the contact spring 86, all as shown by full lines in Fig. 4. If the printing solenoid 24 is energized while the switch parts are in this positicn, the printing plunger will be moved upwardly and will lift the supporting member 94 and lever 93 into a position substantially as shown by broken lines in Fig. 4. As the lever 93 moves upwardly it will encounter the positioning member 102 and be oscillated into a substantially horizontal position, the ball 98 moving out of the lowerdepression 101 and dropping into the upper depression 100. However, the spring contacts 86 and 87. will not be electrically connected by such upward and oscillatory movement of the lever 83. The flow of electric current to the printing solenoid 24, being controlled by the momentary contact switch 47, will only be momentary and the printing plunger 23 will immediately drop back by gravity, thereby moving the supporting member 94 and lever 93 downwardly. As the lever 93, which has been positioned in the substantially horizontal position, is moved downwardly, the insulation roller 92 will engage with the inclined surface 91 of the contact spring 86 and cause said spring 86 to make electrical contact with the spring 87,"

thus closing the circuit to the take-up reel sole noid 45 through conductors 63 and 64. As the lever 93 oves downwardly it encounters the lower positioning member 103 and is oscillated into the inclined position shown' by full lines in Fig. 4, thereby releasing the pressure of the roller 92 against the contact spring 86 and permitting said spring 86 to move into electrically separated position relative to the contact spring 87.

In Fig. 6 I have shown another alternative type of take-up'reel control switch, which may be likewise used in place of the switch 46 shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. This switch comprises two spaced apart spring contact members 108 and 109, which may be secured to and electrically insulated by a. block of insulating material 110. A bracket 111 may support the block 110 from a base 112. The-spring contact members 108 and 109 are electrically connected to conductors 63 and 64. The spring contact member 108 is preferably provided with an insulated tip portion such as by tip insulators 113. A stop 114 is provided limiting the upward movement of the spring 108 and preferably engages the tip portion 113 of the spring 108. The spring contact members are provided with contact points 115 and 116, which are positioned for contact with each other when the spring contact 108 is depressed as shown by dotted lines. A supporting member 117 is secured to the lower end of the printing plunger 23. A pawl.118 is mounted for oscillation on fulcrum 119. A tension spring 120 yieldingly urges the pawl 118 against the stop 121.

In the operation of this take-up reel switch, vertical movement of the pawl 118 is had with vertical movement of the plunger 23. Starting with the normal position of the pawl, as shown by full lines in Fig. 6, the pawl 118 rises and the outer end of pawl 118 will pass by the tip portion 113 of the spring contact member 108 as the pawl is only yieldingly held against turning movement in one direction. As soon as the pawl 118 passes above the spring member 108, the pawl 118 will turn by reason of the spring member 120 striking against the stop 121 and the pawl 118 will rise into the position shown in dotted lines. As the pawl 118 lowers with the downward movement ofthe printing plunger 23, the forward edge portion of the pawl 118 will engage the tip portion 113 of the spring contact member 108 and depress the spring contact 109. As the pawl 118 continues downwardly, it will release its contact with the spring 108 as the pawl travels in a vertical path and the tip portion of the spring contact 108 moves in the arc of a circle. By the releasing of the spring contact 108 by the pawl 118 on its downward travel, after establishing electrical connection between members 108 and 109, such electrical connection is only momentary.

in Fig. 8 I have shown a fragmentary plan view of a preferred form of printing tape 26, which may be used in connection with this apparatus. This tape is numbered consecutively on a marginal edge portion, and is provided with an irregular line 122 extending in a general longitudinal direction. The series of consecutive numbers together with the irregular line 122 prevents fraudulent elimination of portion of the tape and prevents substitution of sections of tape in case the tape has been cut or broken. The marginal numbers further indicate the amount of tape missing in case the tape has been broken or cut and portions removed. The relation of the figures to the irregular line will not be the same on any two tapes, and consequently this will make it impossible to substitute a piece of one tape in another tape without leaving evidence of such substitution.

In Figs. 9 to 13, inclusive, I have illustrated various modified forms of my momentary contact switch means particularly adapted to operate printing plungers.

In Fig. 9 a sealed tube 123 is provided with electrodes 124 and 125 spaced apart lengthwise of the tube. These electrodes 124 and 125 are preferably positioned susbtantially centrally oi the tube as respects the length of said tube. Wells 126 are provided in the tube and the electrodes 124 and 125 are positioned within said wells. A slightly raised portion 127 is preferably provided between the wells 126. As the tube 123 is oscillated, mercury 128 is caused to how from one end to the other of the tube and passes over the electrodes 124 and 125, thereby establishing therebetween a momentary electrical connection. The supply of mercury shown as surrounding the electrodes 124 and 125 provides for making and breaking the electrical circuit with a mercury to mercury contact, and a mercury to mercury interruption of the contact, instead of the usual mercury to electrode contact and interruption. The raised portion 127 places a barrier between the electrodes 124 and 125, so that a substantial amount of mercury is required to establish electrical connection between said electrodes, thereby preventing accidental electrical connection between the electrodes being caused by small drops of mercury after the main body of the mercury has passed the electrodes.

I have found that a momentary contact between two electrodes may be established as a body of mercury flows by two electrodes. A device embodying this use operates different than the usual mercury switch, where electrical contact between the electrodes is established between two electrodes positioned in one end of the tube and the mercury is allowed to submerge the electrodes. In my type of tube any break in the column of mercury will of course cause more than one momentary contact and an error in operation. By the form of the apparatus shown in my tubes,

provision is made to insure positively only one contact as the mercury flows from one end of the tube to the other. The tubes are used on a tiltable table which may be oscillated by the use of solenoids and tilting movement is therefore sudden and violent requiring a tube especially designed. In the form shown in Fig. 9 a rebound of a small amount of mercury will be deflected by the barrier and it will not cause a momentary contact. Furthermore, the electrodes are spaced apart lengthwise of the tube so that a rebound of mercury will not reach both electrodes, except in such small quantities, which quantity will be insuilicient because of the barrier 127. As the length of the tube is increased, the height of lift of the mercury is increased before the mercury will flow to the other end of the tube. If unusually long tubes are used, the sudden oscillation of the tube, causing unusual lifting, will tend to divide the body of mercury, and when two bodies of mercury flow by, an error will be made. My design yQl'lTlltS the use of short tubes and prevents any error in operation.

In Fig. 10 I have shown a sealed mercury contact tube 129 which is substantially the same as A the tube shown in Fig. 9, except that electrodes 130 and 131 enter through the upper portion of the tube and are directed downwardly into the mercury wells 132. These electrodes 130 and 131 are spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of the tube and are disposed substantially mid-way between the two ends of the tube and are positioned on opposite sides of the raised portion 133 between the wells 132. The operation of this tube is similar to the tube shown in Fi 9.

In Fig. 11, a raised portion 134 is provided between longitudinally spaced apart electrodes 135 and 136. The construction shown in this figure is similar to that shown in Fig. 9, except the electrodes are not positioned in wells, and therefore the mercury to mercury make and break of the circuit will not be had, and in place thereof the make and break of the circuit will be from mercury to electrode. Otherwise this tube operates in a manner similar to the tube shown in Fig. 9.

In Fig. 12, a raised portion 137 is provided between longitudinally spaced apart electrodes 138 and 139, which electrodes enter the tube from the upper side. This construction is similar to that in Fig. 11, except the entrance of the electrodes into the tube being from the upper side,

and the tube operates similar to that shown in Fig. 11.

In Fig. 13 electrodes 140 and 141 are spaced apart longitudinally of the tube 142, which tube may be somewhat longer than the tubes illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, inclusive. This tube is not provided with wells or a barrier between the electrodes and therefore the functions of such part is eliminated. In view of the elimination of the barrier in the tube 142, the length of the tube has been increased to reduce the danger of the mercury splashing back or rebounding from the end of the tube, which has been lowered.

Referring to Fig. 1 to summarize the operation of the apparatus, the electrical switch is closed by any mechanism with which the apparatus is connected. Upon the closing of switch 60, solel noid 55 will be energized and will operate momentary contact switch 4'7, which in turn will energize printing solenoid 24, thereby causing a record to be printed on the tape 26, which record may illustrate the date and time of day. For instance9-332-9 01 P. M.-.6, thereby indicating September 3, 1932 at one minute and 36 seconds after 9 P. M., the .6 indicating .6 of a minute or 36 seconds. As the energizing of solenoid 24 is only momentary, the printing immediately thereafter moves downwardly by gravity and in so doing will close the take-up reel switch 46, thereby energizing solenoid 45. The operation of solenoid will operate the ratchet mechanism connected with the take-up reel, thereby advancing thetape 26. When the electrical switch is opened, solenoid 55 will be de-energized, permitting the plunger 54 to drop by gravity and again operate momentary contact switch 4'1, thereby printing another record on tape 26, indieating such operation and advancing the tape.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions, and arrangement of the parts of my invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim:

1. A time recording apparatus of the class describedprovided with a clock-mechanism, comprising a-printing plunger movable reciprocably in a straight line between striking and retracted positions; a tape; means supportingsaid tape in operative relation as respects said clock mechanisin and said printing plunger; electrically operated tape moving means; and control means for said-electrically operated tape moving means embodying, pawl means carried by said switch plunger, electric switch mechanism having pawl engaging means positioned in the path 01' movement of said pawl and devices holding said pawl in operative position relative to said-pawl engaging means during retractile movement of said printing plunger and in inoperative position relative to said pawl engaging means during striking movement of said printing plunger.

' 2. A time recording apparatus of the class described provided with a clock mechanism comprising a solenoid operated printing plunger operatively disposed as respects said clock mechanism, mounted to move in a straight path; a tape; means supporting said tape in operative relation as respects said clock mechanism and said printing plunger! electrically operated tape moving means; and electrical switch mechanism consaid electrically operated tape moving means, which m is operatively connected with said printing plunger, said switch mechanism including a lever carried by said printing plunger and moving in a straight path, and an electrical contact mechanism having other lever, means operated by said first named lever means, said last named lever means mounted to move in an arcuate path,- whereby said lever means will engage and disengage each other during their respective travels.

3. A time recording apparatus of the class described provided with a clock mechanism, comprising a printing plunger movable reciprocably in a straight line between striking and retracted positions; a tape; means supporting said tape in operative relation as respects said clock mechanism and said printing plunger; electrically opwill move said pawl engaging means and close.

said switch during movement in one direction of said printing plunger and yielding means supporting said pawl in the other direction, whereby said pawl will yieldingly pass over said pawl engaging. means during movement of said printing plunger in the other direction. i

4. In time recording apparatus of the class described, a printing plunger reciprocable in a straight line; a pivotally mounted pawl carried by said printing plunger; pivotally mounted table having pawl engaging means positioned for arcuate movement as said table is oscillated, said tablebeing' positioned so that the line of movement of said pawl intersects thearc of movement of said pawl engaging means; mercury tube type switch means mounted on said table; yielding means urging said table and switch into one predetermined position of said switch; stop means limiting the pivotal movement of. the pawl in an upward direction; yielding means supporting the pawl in the other direction; and aim connected on saidpawl on the opposite side of the pivot from said pawl and relatively fixed stop member for engagement with said lug.

NORMAN A. wm'rram 

